Dr. Cristian O‘Flaherty from McGill University, Canada will present talk entitled "Reproduction, Redox & Fertility: Strategic role of Antioxidants" during the 4th ISANH Middle East Redox & Microbiota 2019 World Congress which will be held in Muscat, Oman on March 4 - 6, 2019.

Short summary of Talk:

Human spermatozoa are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Whereas oxidative stress impairs motility and the sperm’s ability to fertilize the oocyte, low levels are necessary for normal sperm function. Therefore, there is a delicate balance between ROS production and the antioxidant systems to avoid toxic effects without impairing the redox signaling in sperm cells.

The peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes are essential for protection against oxidative stress in human spermatozoa, and their deficiency and/or inactivation is associated with men infertility. Moreover, active PRDXs are necessary for the spermatozoon to acquire fertilizing capacity. Thus, the PRDX system may be useful in the modulation of the ROS levels without affecting the redox signaling essential for sperm function.

The antioxidant therapy could be beneficial in some cases of male infertility. However, some patients do not respond due to causes that are not yet understood. The profound knowledge of the redox signaling in spermatozoa is key to design new therapies based on the modulation of ROS generation and or new antioxidant compounds.